Job posting scams are a growing problem for both employers and job seekers, according to a recent survey. Job seekers have to consider many factors when they look for jobs including salary, benefits, qualifications, and skills. But a new factor is emerging: job posting scams.
The survey showed most job seekers and hiring managers know about these scams, but they are still worried about how they could affect their image, morale, and chances. Here are some of the main findings from the survey and tips to avoid these scams.
Key Findings
Although nearly two-third of American job seekers are aware of job posting scams (64%), more than a third are not (36%). Still, more than half of job seekers (53%) are concerned about falling for a job posting scam, especially Millennials (62%). In fact, more than 1 in 5 (21%) say they have already fallen for a job post scam (12%) or are not sure if they have (9%).
Nearly 3 in 5 Canadian job seekers (57%) are aware that job posting scams are an unfortunate reality, still over 2 in 5 (43%) are not aware. Around half of Canadian job seekers (51%) are concerned about falling for a job posting scam, especially Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X (56%, 56%, 48% vs. 29%, respectively). Fortunately, most Canadian job seekers (80%) report they have not fallen for a job post scam; however, 1 in 5 either have (11%) or are not sure if they have (9%).
Tips to Avoid Job Posting Scams
- Do your research. Check the company’s website, social media, and online reviews. Look for signs of legitimacy, such as a clear mission, history, and contact information.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers. If you receive an email or a call from a recruiter or employer that you did not apply to or contact, take an extra step to verify their identity and credentials before giving any personal or financial information.
- Watch out for red flags. Common indicators of a job posting scam include asking for money or sensitive information upfront, offering high pay for low-skill work, using poor grammar and spelling, and having vague or unrealistic requirements and expectations.
- Report and block. If you encounter a job posting scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, or the local police if you have lost money or provided sensitive information to a scammer. Block and delete any suspicious emails or calls, and do not click on any links or attachments.
Survey Methodology
To provide accurate and timely employment forecasts for job seekers, Express Employment Professionals commissions an ongoing Job Seeker Report to track employment and hiring trends across a wide range of industries. The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express among 1,002 U.S. job seekers from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10, 2023.
